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  Traffic alert system and methodUSPTO Application #: 20070038360Title: Traffic alert system and method Abstract: A system is provided that includes a network server and a plurality of mobile devices that communicate with the network server. Each mobile device is associated with a vehicle and is configured to provide Global Positioning System (GPS) parameters to the network server. The network server uses the GPS parameters to detect traffic congestion in a zone. (end of abstract) Agent: Conley Rose, P.C. - Plano, TX, US Inventor: Ketul Sakhpara USPTO Applicaton #: 20070038360 - Class: 701117000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Data Processing: Vehicles, Navigation, And Relative Location, Vehicle Control, Guidance, Operation, Or Indication, Traffic Analysis Or Control Of Surface Vehicle The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070038360. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to the provisional application, U.S. Pat. App. No. 60/707,878, entitled "Cellular Traffic Alerts", filed on Aug. 12, 2005, by Ketul Sakhpara, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX [0003] Not applicable. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0004] The present disclosure is directed to providing traffic alerts, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to providing traffic alerts based on cellular, digital and/or other phones or mobile devices that implement positioning technology such as Global Positioning System (GPS). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] Vehicular traffic congestion on roadways can be caused due to construction, stalled vehicles, accidents, events, or other causes. Gathering and distributing traffic data can be time-consuming and expensive. For example, some existing methods of gathering traffic data are based on helicopters, cameras, sensors, or drivers that communicate traffic conditions on particular roadways. As the number of roadways being monitored increase (e.g., in a large metropolitan area), the time and expense involved to gather and distribute traffic data also increase. Some existing methods to distribute traffic data are based on radio broadcasts or "mesh networks" (i.e., networks that distribute traffic data from one driver's mobile device to another using close-range wireless technology such as Bluetooth or "wifi"). At least one of the purposes of gathering and distributing traffic data is to enable drivers to avoid areas of traffic congestion. Improved methods of gathering and distributing traffic data are desirable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] In at least some embodiments, a system is provided that comprises a network server and a plurality of mobile devices that communicate with the network server. Each mobile device is associated with a vehicle and is configured to provide Global Positioning System (GPS) parameters to the network server. The network server uses the GPS parameters to detect traffic congestion in a zone. [0007] In at least some embodiments, a mobile device is provided that includes a processor, a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor, and a Global Position System (GPS) unit coupled to the processor. The GPS unit determines GPS parameters. The mobile device further comprises a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions that cause the processor to request the GPS parameters from the GPS unit. The GPS parameters are used to detect traffic congestion in a zone. [0008] In at least some embodiments, a method is provided that includes determining a level of traffic congestion in a zone based on Global Positioning System (GPS) parameters associated with a plurality of vehicles. If the traffic congestion is greater than a threshold level, the method generates a traffic alert. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts. [0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a system that gathers traffic data in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; [0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a system that distributes traffic data in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; [0012] FIG. 3 illustrates another system that distributes traffic data in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; and [0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a method in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE [0014] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, computer companies may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to . . . ." Also, the term "couple" or "couples" is intended to mean either an indirect, direct, optical, wireless, mechanical, electrical, or other connection. For example, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct electrical connection, through an indirect electrical connection via other devices and connections, through an optical electrical connection, or through a wireless electrical connection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0015] It should be understood at the outset that although an exemplary implementation of one embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated below, the present system may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. Continue reading... Full patent description for Traffic alert system and method Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Traffic alert system and method patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Traffic alert system and method or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: System and method for improving traffic flow Next Patent Application: Traffic routing based on segment travel time Industry Class: Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Traffic alert system and method patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 1.2447 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Software: Finance , AI , Databases , Development , Document , Navigation , Error |
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